UK Student Visa and CAS: From Offer to Entry Explained

The UK student visa process is largely predictable but demands meticulous attention to detail—a single missing document triggers a request for supplementary evidence. This guide takes you from receiving your CAS through arriving in the UK.

Your CAS: The Core Document

CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is an electronic registration document issued by your UK university confirming your admission. It contains:

• A 30-character reference number (letters and digits)
• Your full name, date of birth, and passport number
• Course title, start and end dates, and total tuition cost
• The university’s UKVI Sponsor Number
• Confirmation that your English language qualifications are recognised
• Any deposits you’ve already paid (offset against the total fee)

Validity: Your CAS remains valid for six months from issuance. You must use it to lodge your visa application within this window.

Financial Evidence Requirements (2026)

You must demonstrate funds for:

1. Tuition: First year of your course (minus any deposit already paid)
2. Living costs:
   • London-based universities: £1,483 per month, capped at 9 months = £13,347 total
   • All other universities: £1,136 per month, capped at 9 months = £10,224 total

Savings rule: Your funds must remain in the account for a continuous 28 days before you apply. They can sit in a student’s own account, a parent’s account (with a notarised sponsorship letter), or a spousal account. Fixed-deposit accounts count, provided they mature within 28 days of your application date.

Additional Visa Requirements

ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme)

Sensitive fields—nuclear physics, aerospace, biochemistry, advanced artificial intelligence—require ATAS clearance, particularly at master’s and doctoral level. Your CAS will note if ATAS is required. The application is free and typically processes within 4–6 weeks; budget for this lead time.

IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)

• Cost: £776 per year (2025 rate)
• Duration for students: Calculated as course length plus four months (to allow time for departure)
• Example: A 1-year master’s = 12 + 4 = 16 months, costing approximately £1,035
• Payment: Paid once upfront when you submit your visa application; it covers NHS access during your stay

Tuberculosis Screening

All applicants in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau must undergo TB screening at a UKVI-designated clinic. Designated centres exist in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuhan, and Nanjing. The screening includes a chest X-ray and an interview. UNILINK assists with appointments.

Visa Fees Summary (Approximate, 2026)

Application Process (Overseas Applicants)

1. Receive CAS → Fill the UKVI online form at the official UK Visas and Immigration portal
2. Book biometric appointment → Reserve a slot at VFS Global (the official visa application centre) for fingerprinting and photograph
3. Upload documents to the UKVI portal: CAS, passport, transcripts, IELTS/PTE/TOEFL, proof of funds, TB report, and ATAS (if required)
4. Pay visa fees and IHS through the portal
5. Attend appointment at the visa centre (approximately 15 minutes for fingerprints and photo)
6. Wait for decision (typically 3–5 weeks from biometric appointment)
7. Receive decision as either a vignette (sticker in your passport) or an eVisa (digital approval)

First Ten Days in the UK

• At border: Present your CAS printout and passport to UK Border Force
• Activate visa: Within 10 days, visit a designated Post Office or your university to activate your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa
• University enrolment: Register with your university on or before the official start date on your CAS
• NHS registration: Visit a local GP surgery with your BRP to register for NHS services
• Bank account: Open a UK bank account (your university will provide an address letter confirming enrolment)

UNILINK’s UK Visa Service

• 100% free: CAS through final visa approval—zero service charges
• Document coordination: TB screening, ATAS applications, IHS payment, and visa form completion handled at no cost
• VFS priority scheduling: UNILINK partners with VFS Global to book your biometric appointment at preferred times
• Post-arrival support: Airport pickup coordination, NHS registration assistance, and bank account opening guidance included

Getting Started

Ready to apply?

• Email: enquiry@unilink.co
• WeChat: UNILINK Consultant

Our team will review your CAS, organise your financial documents, and guide you through each step of the visa application.

Last updated April 2026